Music Journalist

Music journalists cover all things music: artist interviews, live performances, album reviews, community reception, local music scenes, and more. They do this by listening to music extensively, whether by streaming the latest album or attending live performances and festivals. Music journalists aim to have their finger on the pulse of the musical area they focus on and create content that readers and viewers will be interested in. Some lean into offering their unique perspective and opinion which readers value, while others will conduct research or interviews to offer new information and insights into the music their readers listen to.

The content music journalists produce is often shared through written print and online media, with online video content becoming increasingly popular. While the content and format may vary in this line of work, the common thread between all music journalists is a deep passion for music and sharing their thoughts on it.

Musicians make excellent music journalists due to their experience in the field and passion for music. A musician’s performance experience allows for nuanced concert reviews, having performed themselves, and their studies in music allow for expert insights into the music they cover.

A career in music journalism frequently starts by writing as a hobby or side project, often without much compensation. Establishing an online presence through blogging, posting on social media, and picking up article opportunities are great ways to get experience writing professionally and have your work noticed by others. Music journalism is often a freelancing career, but some are hired full time for major music publications or are able to establish a substantial enough online following to support themselves.